A lawyer who survived an ambush two weeks ago in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, has claimed that policemen were behind the attempt on her life.

While Erfe del Castillo survived the ambush at the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road in Brgy. Matab-ang, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, her companion, Efren Palmares, a former policeman, did not survive.

Del Castillo strongly denied allegations that her ambush was related to illegal drugs.

“The ambush is not related to drugs,” she said, adding, “They are trying to taint my reputation because the suspects in the incident are members of the Philippine National Police.”

Supt. Butch Aseo, Talisay City police officer-in-charge, said there is no lead on her claims that policemen are behind the ambush, although they are exploring all possible motives, pointing that it could also be job-related.

But Aseo said Del Castillo is now cooperating in their investigations.

Del Castillo is now in stable condition, despite injuries in her head and shoulder.

“They are trying to impute something negative to my profession and image to show that I am a bad lawyer. I will issue a formal and more detailed position paper on the matter in due time,” said del Castillo, counsel of Francis Rey Cabuga, who is locked up in a dispute with his estranged wife over their businesses.

Palmares was laid to rest yesterday at the Canlaon City public cemetery. His family and friends are calling for justice for his death.*